Yard Renovation

This past summer was brutal in our area. We had a record amount of 100 plus degree days, which reeked havoc on our yard. This plus the lawn service cutting the grass repeatedly too short and a couple sprinkler heads going out equaled disaster. Here are some pictures to prove it.


This area use to be covered with grass. Now it is barren after I spent most of this morning using a small rack to remove the thatch, or dead grass.



From these pictures it doesn't look so bad, however, we are blessed with an exceptionally large lawn. This means I have a lot more work to do! Here are some pictures of the rest of the lawn. The white patches are the areas of thatch that have to still be removed. Where's a garden fairy when you need one?



So as you can see, my work is not done and it's a little overwhelming. I had to stop, take a break, grab my camera and snap some photos of what it looks like now in hopes of documenting its come back to life. So before I head on back outside to tackle another area I thought I would stop and think of what I am thankful for to lift my spirits and share some prettier views of our backyard.
 I'm thankful that our oldest will be coming home today from A&M and that everyone will again be under the same roof, if only for a little while.

I'm thankful I'm in good health and am able to be outside raking...for hours.


I am thankful I'm here today and not in my classroom, which has no windows!

I'm thankful that my husband got a wild hair and is cleaning the garage.

And I am thankful that there is one area, albeit behind the garage where nobody sees, of our yard that is still lush and beautiful!